Lower Michigan Drought Affects Plants, Air Quality

 For several months, Michigan has been experiencing drought conditions across much of the lower part of the state. The dry spell is exacting its toll in plant damage, air quality concerns and wildfire concerns. Here's a look at Michigan's 2012 drought and some of its impacts. The U.S Drought Monitor shows that in the Lower Peninsula, most of southern Michigan is in moderate drought with a portion of severe drought along the Michigan-Indiana border.  Lower Michigan Drought Affects Plants, Air Quality

Air Quality Alerts, Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Health Problems

Air Quality Alerts, Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Health Problems I have Weatherbug installed on my browser. Because I work online, I see every bad weather update. Whenever that little red warning icon shows up, I get nervous. Today, it's an Air Quality alert. What in the world is an air quality alert and why should it sound an emergency warning? Like Ozone Action days, air quality alerts signal periods when the air is not as healthy as it could be. The Department of Environmental Quality, MDEQ in Michigan, has a set of parameters that it uses to determine when it issues air quality alerts. Read more...

FDA Requires Graphic Picture Images, New Cigarette Warning Labels to Curb Underage Smoking

In an effort to curb smoking and especially smoking by minors, the FDA is placing new cigarette product warning labels. New labeling and stricter rules concerning tobacco sales to minors is part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Read more...